Lake Austin

Luxury Wellness Spas in Texas | Lake Austin Spa Resort

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Meet the Instructors

Guests of Lake Austin Spa Resort will experience a diverse and highly-trained staff of fitness experts and trainers. Our intimate size allows for a high degree of personal attention and our nurturing staff is available 7 days a week to answer questions and address personal fitness needs. Each instructor brings his/her unique background and perspective to our fitness classes – get to know them before you arrive!

Sapphire Bell

Sapphire Bell is a part-time yoga and meditation instructor, as well as a musical performer at Lake Austin Spa Resort. Sapphire has lived in many different places including: Neubruke, Germany; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Her worldly influence brings a special inspiration to her teaching style!

She holds a 200-hour Hatha yoga teacher certification from Kripalu Center in Massachusetts and a 200-hour Kundalini yoga teacher certification from YogaYoga in Austin, TX. Sapphire was also a Hatha and Kundalini yoga teacher at YogaYoga Studio. Her personal wellness philosophy is "Choosing a good attitude is huge for me. Bad attitude creates poor health, I've observed. I love to stay active with yoga and yogic breathing. I also love Andrew Weil's philosophy on wellness. It's excellent!" Sapphire's hobbies include dancing, gardening, music, cooking, walking, running, drawing, writing, massage, spending time with friends/family and hanging out in her hammock with her dog at her side.

Sandy Erickson

Sandy is a Part-time Activities Instructor at the Lake Austin Spa Resort. She teaches private water exercise instruction, swimming lessons and stroke analysis. Join Sandy in her signature session, Nautical Noodles, to add some pizzazz to you water workout routine.

Sandy, originally from Providence and East Greenwich, Rhode Island, has also been an Activities Concierge at Marriot Sandy Key Resort, a high school swim and tennis coach, and the Assistant Swim Coach at Carlouel Yacht and Swim Club. She attains an Aquatic Exercise Association Certification and a YMCA Arthritis Foundation Water Certification.

Sandy enjoys passing her free time by swimming, playing tennis, gardening, cooking, and traveling. She also stays motivated and inspired to achieve her goals through the philosophy, "Attitude is key; stay positive and active on your road to excellent health! The most important thing is to be good to yourself!"

Robbie Hudson

Robbie Hudson began her career with Lake Austin Spa Resort in 1989 and has been the Director of Programming for over 10 years.

She attended Texas Tech University, received a BS in Education and holds a Texas Teaching Certificate. Electing not to pursue the conventional classroom, her love for movement led her to begin teaching aerobic dance classes when it was a brand new idea back in the early 1980's! In the mid eighties she taught franchised classes for Body Business, Inc. in the Lake Travis area before joining Lake Austin Spa Resort.

She became certified through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) in its early days and went on to receive certifications with the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the Aquatics Exercise Association (AEA), Physical Mind Institute Pilates, and also became a Nia Blue Belt Instructor.

For the first several years at Lake Austin Spa Resort she taught many different types of exercise classes for our guests. In recent years Nia Dance is the modality of movement she enjoys most because of the strong mind/body connection with music and the freedom and release that it offers.

She enjoys interacting with people and is motivated to help them find ways to have a fun and active lifestyle. She is an avid reader, gardener, walker, and can play a pretty mean game of Texas Hold'em poker.

Liz Bila

Liz Bila serves as an enthusiastic activities concierge, dynamic speaker and fun fitness leader at Lake Austin Spa Resort.

She has been leading wellness, fitness and personal growth programs since 1978. Through membership in the industry's leading organizations - NIA Technique, American Council on Exercise and Aquatic Exercise Association - she has a working knowledge of exercise physiology, anatomy and kinesiology, injury prevention, programming and leadership, and the mind/body approach to wellness. She is also a caring listener - she was trained and commissioned as a Stephen Minister in August of 2007. Liz has been sharing her love of life with Lake Austin Spa Resort guests for over 25 years. Her programs are cutting edge, presented with clear conviction and always a big dose of humor. Liz's personal wellness philosophy is "Play and dance like no one's looking!". She has been referred to as the "Spirit of the Spa" and was voted "Employee of the Millenium" by spa guests. Liz's career mission is "To positively affect people's lives through exhortation, service, nuturing leadership and compassion". Come join her as she delightfully guides you along your path of well-being. Liz grew up around the world including the following cities: Houston, TX; St Croix, V.I.; Yosu, Korea; Isfahan, Iran; London, England; and San Marcos & Austin, TX. She is now settled on the shores of the San Gabriel River with her husband Randy. Her hobbies include reading (especially historical fiction), story-telling, board games, cooking, swimming, kayaking, camping, hiking, Austin's live music, journaling, rock collecting, watching movies and playin' with her dogs Lafayette and Louella Blue.

Tom Bowerman

Tom is a part-time dock supervisor at Lake Austin Spa Resort, offering private boat cruises and hikes, wakeboarding and skiing lessons, and kayaking instruction.

Originally from rochester, NY, Tom attended the State University of New York at Cortland and earned both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Physical Education. His personal wellness philosophy is "Life is too short not to have fun - enjoy it!". For Tom, this includes hobbies such as mountain biking, wake skating, volleyball and reading.

Katherine Coffee

Katherine Coffee is one of Lake Austin Spa Resort's full-time fitness professionals specializing in traditional fitness training; Pilates mat work and reformer; swim lessons; HeartMath® instruction; resting metabolic rate testing; private group hikes and group classes. Katherine's signature session is Foam Roller Massage, which strengthens your core and massages tired muscles. 

She grew up in Houston, TX and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Her certifications include ACSM Health & Fitness Instructor, ACE Personal Trainer, AFAA Instructor & Trainer, Arthritis Foundation YMCA Water Instructor, Reebok Cycle Instructor and she is a YogaFit instructor in-training. Katherine has a wealth for fitness experience - she was a fitness specialist at Sun City Texas in Georgetown; a YMCA water instructor & lifeguard; an on-site Fitness Center manager at Dell Computer in Austin & Round Rock; a trainer & group wellness coordinator at Forty Plus Fitness in South Austin; a fitness instructor at River Place Country Club; and an on-site trainer & instructor at Riverlodge Apartments. Her personal wellness philosophy is "Variety is key and attitude is everything!" Katherine's hobbies include hiking, dancing, traveling, knitting, water activities, baking and spending time with family and friends.

Sherri Dixon, M.S.Ed.

Sherri Dixon is a part-time activities instructor at Lake Austin Spa Resort. She teaches traditional fitness training; Pilates mat work and reformer instruction; Nia technique; and posture analysis.

She grew up in Fort Worth, TX and holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Science of Education in Physical Education from Midwestern State University. Sherri's experience includes working as a Graduate Assistant at Midwestern State University; she has taught middle school and high school physical education and science; she has coached high school and college women's tennis teams; and she was appointed to the Speakers Bureau of the Governor's Commission on Physical Fitness. Her certifications include A.C.E. Personal Trainer; A.E.A. Water Exercise Instructor; Nia Technique; and PhysicalMind Institute Pilates Matwork 101. Her personal wellness philosophy is "Keep your mind active and your body active. Look for new ways to do both in order to stay motivated!" Sherri's hobbies include tennis, golf, fishing, cooking and being a part of an investment club.

Anne Irving

Anne Irving is a part-time yoga instructor at Lake Austin Spa Resort, specializing in Thai Yoga Therapy, meditation, flexibility, and stability ball instruction. Her signature workout session is the Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy which combines classical yoga and contemporary mind-body psychology.

She grew up in both Chicago, IL and Texas, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Houston. Her post-graduate studies include Physiology, Biology, and Psychology. Anne's certifications include: Certified and Registered Kriya Yoga Teacher, Thai Yoga Therapist, and AFAA-certified Fitness Instructor. Anne has also worked as an exercise physiologist for Cardio Fitness Center in New York City and as the fitness director of The Peninsula Spa in New York City. Her personal wellness philosophy is "The inner creates the outer. Harmony of thought, word, and action creates harmony in your world." Anne's hobbies include reading, writing (poetry and children's books), running, dancing, hiking and spending time with her family and friends.

Britny Lehmberg

Britny Lehmberg is a part-time fitness instructor at Lake Austin Spa Resort. She teaches a variety of group exercise classes including: water aerobics, weight training, and group hikes.

She grew up in Mason, Texas and holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University. Her certifications include an AFAA Group Exercise Certification and an Aquatic Fitness Professional Certification with AEA. Britny's experience includes working for the Texas A&M Recreation Center as a Weight Room and Personal Training Supervisor; studying Sport Science in Gothenburg, Sweden; and working as a lifeguard at the City of College Station. Her personal wellness philosophy is "Live life better by being healthy and happy! Discover the power of an activity that relieves your mind and strengthens your heart." Her hobbies include running marathons, weight training, dancing, reading, hiking, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family.

Tina McKinney

Tina McKinney is a dynamic and energetic activities concierge at Lake Austin Spa Resort. She is also one of our yoga and meditation instructors. Tina's signature session is Yoga for Allergies and Ashtma, a natural remedy for seasonal allergy symptoms.

Tina grew up in Dodge City, KS and holds certifications as an AFAA Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor; AAAI/ISMA Yoga Certification; and Priya Yoga Teacher Training Certification (200 hours). Her personal wellness philosophy is "To keep the body in good health is a duty - otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear" (quote from Buddha). In her spare time, Tina enjoys music, dance and gardening.

Mindy Miller

Mindy Miller is a full-time dock supervisor at Lake Austin Spa Resort. In this role, she leads private boat cruises & hikes and she serves as a kayaking instructor.

She grew up in both Dallas and Houston, TX, and Irvine, CA, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Health Enhancement from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Mindy's experience includes work as a United Airline's flight attendant/trainer; an instructor and program developer for United's corporate wellness program; and workshop studies include exercise/nutrition awareness, stress management and goal setting. Her personal wellness philosophies are "When you're stressed - float awhile" and "Remember we're all in the same boat." Mindy's hobbies include being a part of Austin's "Hill Country Outdoors" group, kayaking, boating, swimming, volleyball, hiking, journaling, film buff/screenwriting, photography, animals and travel.

Donna Minshew

Donna Minshew is a part-time T'ai Chi instructor at Lake Austin Spa Resort.

She grew up in Santa Fe, NM and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art and a Master of Business Administration from Texas State University. Donna has studied T'ai Chi for 9 ½ years under Master Stan Rossi and she has taught for 6 ½ years. She earned numerous gold medals from national and international T'ai Chi tournaments and has judged in local tournaments. Her personal wellness philosophy is "The key to true wellness is a fit mind, body, and spirit." Donna's hobbies include art, camping, reading and sudoku.

Jennifer Morgan

Jennifer is a full time fitness professional at Lake Austin Spa Resort, specializing in traditional fitness training and assessments.

An Austin native, Jennifer attended Texas State University in nearby San Marcos where she earned her B.E.S.S. in Health and Fitness Management. She is also a Cooper Institute Certified Fitness Instructor, with additional certifications in BODYPUMP™, Primary Group Exercise Instructor and Indoor Cycling from the AFAA and CPR/First Aid. Jennifer's personal wellness philosophy is "No one ever said they wish they hadn't gone to the gym today. Make exercise an integral part of your lifestyle and you will feel more accomplished. There is nothing better than feeling healthy and stronger. When a person feels good, they are able to work harder, sleep better, smile bigger, and most of all, live their life functionally."

Jerry Nguyen

Jerry Nguyen is a full-time activities instructor at Lake Austin Spa Resort, specializing in traditional fitness training and Hip Hop dance instruction. Verti-Core, Jerry's signature session, helps improve your posture and tighten your mid section.

Jerry was born in Vietnam but now calls Austin, TX home, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at Austin. Jerry's experience includes work at Fitness Together, Train 4 the Game, Fitness Institute of Texas, and as a personal trainer at U.T. Recreational Sports. He is a certified A.C.E. Personal Trainer. Jerry's personal wellness philosophy is "Everyone can become healthy with the right motivation!" His hobbies include fishing, camping, volleyball, basketball and drawing.

Terry Shaw, M.A.

Terry is a nutrition consultant at Lake Austin Spa Resort and teaches several group workshops, as well as being available for one-on-one counseling.

She is a professor at Austin Community College, teaching nutrition and health management. She integrates the delicate balance of the mind-body connection in all her work. She wrote and hosted a series of instructional video programs, Nutrition: More Than Food For Thought. She has taught kitchen workshops in private practice, at Seton's Good Health School and at Lake Austin Spa Resort. She received her masters in Nutrition from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Registered Dietitian.

Sharon Rekieta, Fitness Director

Sharon is the Fitness Director at Lake Austin Spa Resort, overseeing all aspects of our fitness program as well as teaching traditional fitness classes. Sharon is also a Clinical Psychologist, offering counseling sessions to guests looking for balance and direction in their lives.



Sharon brings more than 25 years of professional experience to Lake Austin Spa Resort, including owning a fitness facility, developing corporate wellness curriculums, instructing exercise classes, and counseling individuals through challenges and difficulties.


Paul Smith, M.Ed.

Paul Smith is a full-time activities instructor at Lake Austin Spa Resort, teaching classes in traditional fitness training, yoga, meditation, Pilates, swimming, Transforming Stress class instruction and tarot readings. Paul's signature session is Integrative Yoga Therapy, which is a healing journey that applies both the philosophy and practice of yoga.

Paul grew up in Midland, Abilene, and Houston, TX, and spent some time in Trinidad, West Indies. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in both English and Geology, as well as a Master of Education in Kinesiology (Health Promotion and Fitness) from the University of Texas at Austin. Paul's certifications include the following: A.C.S.M. Health-Fitness Instructor and Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist; Yoga Alliance Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (200 hour level); Vinyasa Krama Yoga Certification from Srivatsa Ramaswami; Physical Mind Pilates Matwork 101 and has completed the Ayurvedic Institute Correspondence Course. He is currently working towards certification as an Integrative Yoga Therapist. Paul has served as an adjunct professor of personal fitness training at Austin Community College and as an exercise physiologist at St. David's Health and Fitness Center and North Austin Medical Center. He has also worked as a swimming instructor at the University of Texas at Austin and at Crenshaw's Athletic Club. His personal wellness philosophy is "Stay active by doing fun things!" Paul's hobbies include hiking, reading classic literature and listening to music.

Norm Sternfield, M.A.

Norm Sternfield is a part-time professional counselor at Lake Austin Spa Resort, specializing in general counseling, life coaching, relationship coaching, grief counseling, smoking cessation and weight management.

He grew up in Philadelphia, PA and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Temple University and a Master of Arts in Psychology (with Distinction) from Saybrook Institute. He is a Certified and Registered Professional Hypnotherapist. Norm's personal wellness philosophy is "We are the 'source' of our own wellbeing, and we are capable of creating a healthy mind, a healing heart, and a soaring spirit." His hobbies include reading novels, writing books, collecting music, personal growth and loving relationships.




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